Although Microsoft didn't say for sure what it has planned for Perceptive Pixel, the company's president of the Office division, Kurt DelBene, said that its "large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration."

Microsoft's central focus has, of course, historically been software. However, the company last month unveiled a tablet, called Surface. It's possible that Microsoft might also use Perceptive Pixel to aid it in its future hardware plans.

For its part, Perceptive Pixel could only offer up excitement today, saying that it's looking forward to working with Microsoft's Office Division and "tightly interoperate with its products."

Microsoft did not disclose the terms of the deal. The deal will close following regulatory approval.

About the author

Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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